Public Safety Leadership and Administration (Executive Fire Administration)

Program Overview

The Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA) with an executive fire administration concentration equips aspiring and current fire service leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of leadership positions. Through a comprehensive online curriculum, students gain expertise in strategic planning, public policy, leadership, data analysis, finance, and technology, preparing them for success in fire service organizations and other public safety leadership roles.

Program Outline

Public Safety Leadership and Administration (Executive Fire Administration)

Degree Overview:

This Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA) degree program with an executive fire administration concentration aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to handle the complexities of leadership positions in the fire service. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you'll gain a deep understanding of key areas like:

• Strategic planning
• Public policy and administration
• Leadership and organizational management
• Data analysis
• Finance and technology

Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of fire service administration.
• Foster effective leadership skills and organizational management practices.
• Enhance understanding of public policy and its impact on the fire service.
• Strengthen analytical skills for data-driven decision making.
• Improve knowledge of finance and technology in the context of public safety leadership.

Program Description:

This 33-credit hour program is delivered entirely online and typically takes 1-1.5 years to complete. It comprises a combination of required core courses, concentration-specific courses, electives/research opportunities, and a culminating project. The core courses provide a solid foundation in public safety administration, leadership, finance, and human resource management. The concentration focuses on topics crucial to fire service leadership, such as:

• Leading innovation initiatives in fire services.
• Emergency services operations analysis and planning.
• Building community resilience to emergencies.
Students can also choose from a range of electives or research opportunities to tailor their learning experience to their interests and career goals.

Outline:

Structure:

• 33 credit hours total
• Delivered online
• Typically completed in 1-1.5 years

Components:

• Required Core (15 credit hours)
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
• Electives or Research (6 credit hours)
• Culminating Project (3 credit hours)

Required Core Courses:

• Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
• Executive Leadership Principles in Public Service
• Public Budgeting and Finance
• Public Human Resource Management
• Organization Behavior

Concentration Courses:

• Leadership for Innovation in Public Fire Services
• Emergency Services: Operations Analysis and Planning
• Community Resilience

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Case studies
Specific assessment methods and criteria will vary depending on the individual course.

Teaching:

The program is delivered by experienced faculty with expertise in public safety leadership, administration, and fire service. The online format provides flexibility for working professionals to balance their studies with their careers.

Unique Approaches:

• The program focuses specifically on the challenges faced by fire service leadership.
• The curriculum is designed to be practical and applicable to real-world situations.
• The online format provides flexibility for working professionals.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership positions within fire service organizations, including:

• Firefighter supervisor
• Fire inspector
• Fire investigator
• Fire prevention and protection engineer
• Municipal firefighter
The program also provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their current roles and pursue other public safety leadership opportunities.

Other:

• The program is offered by ASU's Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
• Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field and a minimum GPA of 3.00.
• Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters.